Expansion, new site boosting farmers market

Carlsbad moves weekly event into heart of downtown

CARLSBAD  Carlsbad’s expanded and relocated Farmers Market is off to a strong start, with attendance increasing and vendor sales more than doubling, officials said last week.

After 18 years in a low-visibility parking lot on Roosevelt Street, the Wednesday afternoon market moved one block west on June 26 into the heart of downtown Carlsbad on State Street.

Organizers also expanded the number of vendor booth from 32 to more than 50, and added live music and cooking demonstrations.

“It’s got a much better feel,” said Steve Gibson, a consultant hired by Carlsbad to revitalize the area. “The sales are a little more than double our best ever at the other location.”

In addition, several farmers selling certified organic produce have begun attending — a first for the market, Gibson said.

The changes also aim to attract more commuters on the Coaster rail line, more tourists and more people working traditional 9-to-5 jobs, city officials said.

The new location is closer to the Carlsbad Village Coaster stop and much more visible to the many hotels and time-share properties in the area.

Belyn Gonzales, owner of Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant on State Street, told the City Council last month that she supported the change and had no problem with the closure of State on Wednesday afternoons for the market.

In fact, she suggested the city someday begin closing the street on Saturdays to cater more to visitors.

“There are a lot of tourists in Carlsbad,” she said.

The hours of the market have also been changed, to 3 to 7 p.m. instead of 1 to 5 p.m., to capture more people after they finish their workday.

Councilwoman Lorraine Wood said she hopes the new approach will boost sales and make local residents healthier. She said commuters riding the Coaster were a prime target.

“They might stop and pick up some veggies on the way home,” she said.

Some merchants have complained about the closure of State Street and a lack of parking in the area.

But Gibson said the street closure has gone smoothly so far. He also said the new setup actually increases available parking because the market previously occupied a municipal lot that’s now available.

Some merchants and customers have also complained that the changes include eliminating Carlsbad’s Saturday farmers market. But Gibson said he’s confident people will adjust to having the market only on Wednesday.

Shannon Werneke, an associate planner for Carlsbad, said the move to State Street creates a pedestrian focal point in downtown Carlsbad and fosters a community concept there.

She said the live music also helps achieve those goals. But she stressed that the music is only to create an ambience and that no concerts will be held.